Used Ford Kuga Cars For Sale

Ford Kuga buying guide

About the Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is the largest SUV the brand sells in the UK since it discontinued the larger Edge. Most families will find the Kuga offers plenty of practicality for day-to-day driving. There's lots of passenger space and a taller, wider and deeper cargo area than other options in the blue-oval lineup. What sets the Kuga apart from its rivals, however, is how it makes you feel behind the wheel – it leads the class for ride and handling, with accurate controls and nearly flawless body control, despite its high-riding SUV stance.

What versions of the Ford Kuga are there?

You only find Ford Kugas in one body type – a medium-sized SUV with five seats. The second-generation car came out in 2012 and has a bold hexagonal front grille with two thick chrome bars across it. It was replaced by a third-generation model in 2019 with softer lines, more rounded headlights and a smooth-edged front grille.

Entry-level Kugas come in Zetec spec or you can upgrade to Titanium or Titanium Edition models with a few choice extras. ST-Line Edition cars add sporty exterior styling features, while ST-Line X Edition gets even more standard kit. There's also the luxurious Vignale model with fancy leather upholstery and a fully stocked equipment list.

What features does the Ford Kuga have?

When the latest version of the Ford Kuga came out in 2019, it was one of the first Fords to include a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. This high-res, colourful screen replaces the traditional analogue rev counter and speedo dials, giving you customisable access to sat-nav maps as well as your driving data. It helps make the cabin feel pretty high-tech, but it’s not included on Zetec models.

That said, all Kuga models get a reasonably sharp eight-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, running Ford’s Sync 3 system. It works just fine, and you can plug your smartphone into one of the Kuga’s USB ports to mirror your phone’s apps on the Kuga’s screen, using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The B&O sound system included on most models is pretty good, with thumping bass that’ll have you head-banging on your way to work.

Overall the Kuga’s interior feels reasonably high-tech – automatic models get a circular dial to select gear, and some models also come with a wireless phone-charging mat. Space up front is decent, and the rear seats slide back and forth so you can choose between more boot space or rear legroom.

Ford Kuga engine range explained

Ford Kuga 1.5-litre EcoBoost 150hp petrol

A petrol engine might not seem the most natural choice for an SUV, but the three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol engine’s low-down turbocharged torque means it works well in the Kuga. It feels reasonably powerful and is capable of about 43mpg.

Ford Kuga 1.5-litre EcoBlue 120hp diesel

If you’re planning on taking your Kuga on longer trips, consider the 1.5-litre EcoBlue diesel. It’s not going to set your hair on fire with 120hp, but it’s easily capable of returning 50mpg on a long run.

Ford Kuga 2.0-litre EcoBlue 190hp diesel AWD

This is the engine to pick if you plan on towing with your Kuga. It’s a torquey 2.0-litre diesel engine, coupled with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system – perfect for finding extra grip in wintry or muddy conditions.

Ford Kuga 2.5-litre PHEV plug-in hybrid

Yes, the plug-in hybrid version of the Kuga gets a large 2.5-litre petrol engine, but don’t get too excited – it’s set up for economy, not performance. That said, 225hp helps offset the PHEV’s extra weight (you can thank the battery for that), and you’ll get up to 35 miles of pure-electric driving from a full charge.

Ford Kuga 2.5-litre FHEV full hybrid

If you want a taste of electric driving without having to plug your Kuga in, the full-hybrid electric vehicle (FHEV) version might be for you. It pairs a 190hp 2.5-litre petrol engine with a small motor and battery for a driving experience that seamlessly blends petrol and electric power. It should get around 50mpg if you’re careful, and it’s only capable of driving on electric power for very short distances at low speeds.

How safe is the Ford Kuga?

All Ford Kugas impress for their safety scores. The current model earned a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2019 with adult, child and pedestrian all falling between 92% and 82%. Active safety aids received a respectable 73% score.

The previous-generation Kuga also scored a full five-star rating when it was tested in 2012 – against standard that were slightly less stringent than today's. Nevertheless, this is a strong indicator that it'll be a safe car to live with.

Is the Ford Kuga a good car?

The Ford Kuga is a good family car, with a spacious interior, lengthy equipment list and a boot that’s much larger than what you get in a Ford Focus or Volkswagen Golf. Plus, the Kuga even offers something for enthusiastic drivers – it handles better than nearly all other SUVs. Read our detailed Ford Kuga review to learn what this do-all family SUV is like to live with.